SPLB vs VYM

Quick Verdict

VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPLB offers more diversification with 713 holdings.

Lower Fees: TiedHigher Returns: VYMMore Diversified: SPLB

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSPLBVYMWinner
Expense Ratio0.04%0.04%
AUM$1.2B$79.0B
Dividend Yield5.35%2.86%
Holdings2,947568
YTD Return-1.95%+15.80%
1Y Return+0.01%+26.12%
3Y Return (annualized)+3.61%+18.25%
5Y Return (annualized)-3.18%+12.51%
Volatility (annualized)10.8%14.6%
Max Drawdown-35.2%-58.8%
Fund FamilyState Street Investment ManagementVanguard (US)
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
InceptionMar 10, 2009Nov 10, 2006

SPLB vs VYM Performance

State Street SPDR Portfolio Long Term Corporate Bond ETF (SPLB) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SPLB returned +0.01% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, SPLB is down 1.95% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.

Over three years, SPLB compounded at +3.61% per year against +18.25% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are -3.18% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.07% annualized vs +1.68%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 10.8% for SPLB. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.

The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -35.2% for SPLB and -58.8% for VYM. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.

The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.40. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

SPLB charges 0.04% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $4 annually. On income, SPLB currently yields 5.35% against 2.86% for VYM.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

SPLB and VYM share 2 holdings out of 1269 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in SPLBWeight in VYMDifference
DUK0.02%0.45%0.43%
ADM0.02%0.14%0.12%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, SPLB or VYM?

SPLB has an expense ratio of 0.04% while VYM charges 0.04%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.

Which performed better, SPLB or VYM?

Over the past year SPLB returned +0.01% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), SPLB annualized +1.68% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, SPLB or VYM?

VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 10.8% for SPLB. Worst drawdown: SPLB -35.2% vs VYM -58.8%.

Should I hold both SPLB and VYM?

SPLB and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.40, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between SPLB and VYM?

SPLB and VYM share 2 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1269 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, SPLB or VYM?

SPLB yields 5.35% while VYM yields 2.86%, so SPLB currently pays the higher dividend yield.

Get Full ETF Analytics

Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.

See inside every ETF you own
$29/moCancel anytime.
Try FundXLS →